The Christian Elements of "Pinocchio"

As if you couldn't tell by now, I positively adore Pinocchio. In fact, I just had the privilege of watching it with my family, for the who-could-possibly-count-that-high time, and it was still as entertaining and enchanting as ever.

I'm also a very spiritual person, a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And I can't help but notice a lot of Christian elements in this movie, themes that are very applicable to Mormons as well as anybody.

Maybe that's one reason why this movie is so endearing to me.

For starters, we see how Pinocchio is brought to life through the hands of Geppetto, his earthly father, and through the grace of the Good Fairy, who is essentially a goddess. Pinocchio has an opportunity to become a real boy, but he also must prove his worthiness. As every fan of the movie can tell you, he must "prove [himself] brave, truthful, and unselfish."

It brings to mind how our Heavenly Father granted us a similar opportunity, and how we must also prove just how deserving we are of such a gift. The LDS Church teaches that we were given the gift of free agency, meaning we have the freedom to choose for ourselves, though that also means we must accept the consequences of those choices. We have a chance to receive everything that God has, to return to Him and live forever in the celestial kingdom.

Sadly, it's a given fact that not everyone will make it to the celestial kingdom, so the question is, will we make it? How worthy will you or I be? In the words of the Good Fairy, where you end up will be "entirely up to you."

Next, Jiminy explains to Pinocchio about "that still, small voice that people won't listen to" (a very clear indication of the Holy Ghost) and how "the world is full of temptations," and his logic actually makes sense if you pay super-close attention:

"They're the wrong things that seem right at the time. But even though the right things may seem wrong sometimes, sometimes the wrong things may be right at the wrong time...or vice versa."

Then, naturally, it isn't long before Pinocchio stumbles upon such a temptation. There's a great deal of symbolism in the way Pinocchio is enticed to take "the easy road to success," how he's reeled in with golden promises of fame and fortune—but once his enemies have him, he finds himself caught in a trap that's pretty much impossible to get out of by himself.

 
Isn't that just like Satan's way? Buttering us up, knowing just where and how to stroke our egos, making all sorts of flashy promises, leading us along with a flaxen cord (for those who don't know, a single flaxen thread is so light and so delicate that you almost can't feel it), and the instant he has us where he wants us, he stabs us right in the back and shuts us up in a cage with no way out.

Fortunately for Pinocchio (and for us), there is a way out: through repentance. Just like the Good Fairy, our Savior Jesus Christ will not hesitate to reach out and help us, if we will accept that help. Jesus was more than willing to pay the price for our sins to give us that chance to be forgiven, and although we often make mistakes and even deserve to be left to our fates, the Savior will still help us out of pure, unconditional love.

Even after the Fairy tells Pinocchio, "This is the last time I can help you," she shows her mercy through little hints that guide Pinocchio to where he needs to go, and she displays the ultimate compassion by giving him life twice. In a way, that's exactly like the Savior, too. Besides paying the price for our sins, He also made it possible for all of us to be redeemed from death.

What greater gift, what stronger evidence of His love, could He bestow upon us than that?

Of course, as it is with all of us, it's not like Pinocchio only makes one huge mistake and then never strays from the straight and narrow path again.

In fact, things only get worse.

Though he tries to resist at first, the poor, foolish puppet ultimately plunges into the sheer decadence of Pleasure Island, a place where you do nothing but "eat, drink, and be merry." At first glance, this place looks like a dream come true. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want, and never have to suffer the consequences...for a while.

The Coachman, who could very well be the devil incarnate, sums it all up when he says, "Give a bad boy enough rope and he'll soon make a jackass of himself." Yet another parallel to Satan and his treachery, and a grim underscore to what kind of place Pleasure Island really is.

Tragically, by the time the boys learn the truth, it's too late, and as far as we can tell, Pinocchio is the only one to get away.

Despite everything he's done, Pinocchio proves he's still capable of changing for the better. He risks his life (and gives it) to save his father. To quote that famous Bible passage, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

 

Thus, Pinocchio passes the test. His worthiness is certified and he is not only brought back to life a second time, but he becomes a real boy of flesh and blood at last, and as far as we can tell, he and Geppetto live happily ever after. Doesn't sound so different from the joyous reunion we will have with our Father in Heaven if we pass the test, too.

I always believed that a good story is one that both Christians and non-Christians can enjoy, like The Chronicles of Narnia or The Prince of Egypt. You don't have to be spiritual or take note of any spiritual themes at all. But if you are spiritual and you do notice such themes...well, it sure couldn't hurt!

One way or another, Disney's Pinocchio remains a beautiful, timeless classic, and I hope it remains a part of people's movie collections for a long, long time. I can tell you it will for me.

As good old Jiminy declares in the final scene, "Oh, I think it's swell!"

(from Disney Screencaps)